The burden of multiple sclerosis in China: A literature review

Background & Objective: Multiple sclerosis is a relatively rare disease in China as compared to other nations throughout the world. This study aimed to assess the depth and breadth of knowledge of multiple sclerosis and its consequences specifically in China via a review and synthesis of existing literature. Methods: We conducted a literature search and reviewed studies that either were published in MEDLINE-indexed, English-language journals, or China National Knowledge Infrastructure database-indexed, Chongqing VIP Information Co., Ltd database-indexed, or Wanfang Data database-indexed Chinese-language journals, or appeared in the grey literature including medical society websites and scientific meeting abstracts from 2005-2010. Results: The only study reporting epidemiological burden reported a prevalence rate of multiple sclerosis to be 1.39 per 100,000 persons. Multiple sclerosis was more prevalent among females as compared to males. Most of the studies used Poser criteria to diagnose multiple sclerosis. Corticosteroids were the mainstay used by physicians for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Little data is available on epidemiological burden and no data is available on the economic and humanistic burden of multiple sclerosis in China. Conclusions: Diagnostic practices and treatment of multiple sclerosis in China appear to lag behind those in Western countries. There is significant room for improvement in bettering those suffering from multiple sclerosis in China.